The BMW M5 has been with us for three-and-a-half decades. In other words, it has been putting smiles across faces for thirty-five years. To commemorate its 35^th anniversary, BMW has created a limited-run special edition. The Germans call it the BMW M5 Edition 35 Years. Sure, the name lacks imagination but it does deliver the message! Only 350 examples will ever exist. Hence, the only thing that will trounce its high price tag will be its exclusivity.

To conceive it, BMW took the M5 Competition and gave it some exclusive design cues. Before we get to the latter part, let’s just remind ourselves of the volcanic power-plant. Under the bonnet lives a 4.4-litre V8 which is boosted by two turbochargers. The result is 625PS/750Nm, which is fed to all four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. BMW claims that it can hit 100kmph and 200kmph from a standstill in 3.3 seconds and 10.8 seconds, respectively. While top speed is limited to 250kmph, it can be raised 305kmph with M Driver’s package.

So, what are the exclusive bits? The list starts with the Frozen Dark Grey metallic paint which, BMW claims, has a special pigmentation to create a silk matt surface impression. Accompanying and complementing the bewitching exterior colour are the 20-inch M light-alloy wheels finished in Graphite Grey shade. Behind those are brake disc callipers, finished in high-gloss black. Speaking of the braking system, it can be optionally upgraded to M carbon-ceramic package with callipers finished in gold.

Inside the cabin, exclusive trim finishers in aluminium carbon structure gold anodised have been fitted in the area of the instrument panel, the door trim sections and the centre console. No badging to let the occupants know this is a special model? There is. The door sills finishers bear the inscription “M5 Edition 35 Jahre” and the cupholder cover in the centre console flaunt the lasing engraving “M5 Edition 35 Jahre 1/350”. For the uninitiated, Jahre is German for years.

The current M5 range – standard, Competition and the Edition 35 Years – is probably the last of its kind. Next-generation onwards, the go-fast saloon is likely to be more intensely electrified. So, if you want to save the last of the breed for yourself, now is the time.